Terrifying flash floods wreak havoc in northeast India | 5 casualties reported with 23 troops missing
Tragedy strikes as flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in India's Sikkim state claim 5 lives and leave 23 army personnel missing A devastating natural disaster that has left the region in shock
Five individuals have lost their lives and 23 members of the Indian Army are currently unaccounted for following a cloudburst-induced flash flood in the northeastern state of Sikkim, India.
The incident occurred in the Lachen valley of Sikkim, specifically in the Teesta River, when a "sudden cloudburst" transpired over Lhonak Lake located in the northern region of the state. As per the statement issued by the Indian Army, a cloudburst refers to an abrupt and devastating rainstorm.
River water levels experienced a rapid surge, reaching heights approximately 15-20 feet above the average mark, as confirmed by the Army. In the aftermath, a total of 41 military vehicles were entirely submerged by the resulting slush.
Flood waters inundate buildings along the Teesta river in Sikkim, India, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023.
Indian Army/AP
According to a statement released by the Sikkim government, five bodies have been recovered. Currently, a search and rescue operation is underway with three individuals already rescued. The government of Sikkim further reports that three bridges have collapsed and approximately 420 individuals from two districts have been relocated to relief camps.
Scientists affirm that flooding is a common occurrence in Sikkim, a Himalayan state. However, they observe a clear trend of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including storms, which can be attributed to the acceleration of the human-caused climate crisis.
